Subject: SL : The Verdict
Al Capon once said in The Untouchables "it is not over until it is over" and let me must make it clear that it is because of my love for democracy, free and fair elections, my desire to accomplish my needs, to have my voice heard through my choice of candidate and political party, that I continue to live in USA. I continue to defer from these beliefs in the case of Sierra Leone at this time because of the odds involved. My hope for Sierra Leone is not the mimicking of democracy through coercion. Democracy imposed on the people is tantamount to morechaos and outright anarchy. This is a self gratification short of public safety and good.
On Monday, the Consultative Council made the decision and by implication, for the people of Sierra Leone to have elections on February 26, 1996. Well, I for one do not know the composition of the council nor how it has been created. What appears certain though is that its decision sanctions SL as a whole which is what some may classify as democratic to start with - which is few ABLE bodies get together and deliberate and decide for all. Nothing is fairer than this concept. What I have problem with is its make up, format of deliberation, and legitimacy.
To start with, when this proportional representation thing started few years ago, INEC included as a requirement for party participation in the elections, that each party must have an operating office in each district. That requirement for this whole democratic elections orgy was quickly dropped on the grounds that it was too risky; it is not possible to hold meetings in some of the districts particularly those in the southern and eastern parts of the country. What them makes the same politicians privy to consultative council participation? If theycannot hold meetings in the districts, in the provinces to discuss with local residents, who then gave them the right to decide on behalf of these vast majority in the consultative council? Is this the kind of democracy that is supposed to come out of this February elections? GOD SAVE Sierra Leone....
Usually members of this kind of consultative council have some level oflegitimacy within the community or the nation and the mode of their deliberations would stem from discussions with people from their various constituencies. That is what makes it legitimate even under an illegitimate government. But this is Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone is not a normal case study.
Most of us have mixed feelings about the role played by the consultative council and the decision it arrived at for elections at this time but again, somebody has to do something even if it means further deterioration of the country and in my judgment which I hope is wrong, is what the elections will do in February for Sierra Leone.
There has been intense arguments on this channel regarding the resolve of elections this month. We dealt with our beliefs to the extent that we each hold that we are right. Time will provide reason for our various positions. We all have reasonable understanding of what the issues are and that will bear witness to our individual convictions.
We all love Sierra Leone in some special ways but we all love ourselves more for other reasons. The tennis court scenario Kelfala posted recently more or less capsulated the nature and volition of man. If the consultative council had acted in good faith in the face of where Sierra Leone stands today, then posterity is in their favor. On the other hand, if they had acted in pursuit of interest other than the interest of the nation as a whole, then history will not be kind to them and as much as their action binds us all, I feel justifiable to hold them responsible.
By the end of February, hoping that the elections take place, Sierra Leone would have had its dream fulfilled as Amara Lukay conceptualized. The elected government will be in charge, the soldiers will return to the barracks to pursue the war, the politicians will bring peace, economic and social justice to the country. As much as we have dwelled on the short comings of the NPRC, we must also be ready to bear no excuses for the civilian government then for after all, acclamations are what we have used mostly to judge outcomes. We must then be willing to apply the same standard equally.
The soldiers promised us an end to the war, resettle the displaced, and a return to civilian rule. They have so far not been able to accomplish these except perhaps the return to civilian rule which is becoming a reality. The politicians now cry they will end the war, bring peace, and make the economy work for all. I have not seen a single party platform to suggest this so far. If you have one, I would like to glance at it. As we go to offer prayers commemorating the end ofFasting February 20th or 21st., let us pray for Sierra Leone and let us also pray to remember for remembering is a healthy business.
Salaam ....
Saffa Kemokai @ Browns Mills, NJ